john wheeldon

for fine raku pots

Personal Statement

I feel that above all I am a potter who responds primarily to materials and processes - the exploration of which pushes my work forward. I look at other crafts, textiles, glass and metalwork in particular. I am also fascinated by ancient eroded artefacts and patinated surfaces. More often than not a simple change in clay, glaze or the discovery of a new process can provide the stimulus for a new direction.

My lustre was initially applied using various rubber stamps in tight geometric patterns. However my discovery of the methods used to decorate fabrics by the batik method led me to use latex as a resist. This enabled me to develop a more flowing and less restrictive approach to decorating.

My involvement with raku developed because of a need to escape from limitations placed upon me by the lustre techniques I previously used, coupled with a desire to use real fire and become more involved with the processes of firing. The transition was made easier as I saw raku as a form of matt, coloured lustre, not a complete break from my earlier work but as a compliment to it.

An interest in ceramic history also informs my work although it may not be immediately apparent, as the influence is often subliminal. The forms of much of my work refer to pieces from pre-history, especially the Bronze Age, and have developed from an ancient pot seen in a museum many years ago. I also have a collection of shards found in gardens and fields which span a period from Roman to the 19th century and the marks left by the potters are so eloquent - we leave the same marks on our own work today - it is like a language left by potters to be read by potters.

I hope to add a few more words to the vocabulary!

Caiger Smith, A